Jennifer'S Lasagne
Jennifer's Lasagne is a hearty Italian-inspired dish featuring layers of seasoned ground beef, rich tomato sauce, creamy ricotta, and melted mozzarella. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, it offers a comforting blend of savory flavors and cheesy goodness that appeals to all ages.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. lean ground beef ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic ⓘ
- 1 (16 oz.) can tomatoes ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz.) can tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1 (6 oz.) can tomato paste ⓘ
- 2 tsp. dried basil ⓘ
- 1 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 8 oz. lasagne noodles ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. oil
- 2 eggs ⓘ
- 2 1/2 cups Ricotta cheese ⓘ
- 3/4 cup grated Parmesan or Romano cheese ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. dried parsley flakes
- 1 lb. thinly sliced Mozzarella cheese ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. pepper ⓘ
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef, chopped onion, and crushed garlic in a skillet.
- Drain off the fat.
- Stir in the undrained tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, dried basil, and salt.
- Cover and simmer for 15 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Meanwhile, boil water in a large pan.
- Add the lasagne noodles and oil to the boiling water.
- Cook until tender, then drain and rinse the noodles.
- In a bowl, beat the eggs.
- Add 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, Ricotta cheese, dried parsley flakes, and pepper to the eggs, mixing well.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a pinch of sugar to the sauce to balance the acidity of the tomatoes. You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef for a lighter option. Using no-boil lasagne noodles can save time, though the texture may differ slightly. Fresh herbs like basil and oregano can elevate the dish's freshness. For additional flavor, incorporate a layer of sautéed mushrooms or spinach.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Jennifer's Lasagne with a simple side salad dressed with balsamic vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast. Garlic bread pairs perfectly, offering a delightful crunch. For a more hearty meal, consider serving it alongside roasted vegetables or a classic Italian antipasto platter. This dish is great for gatherings and can be made ahead of time. For more delicious ideas, explore other Italian recipes.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F oven for about 20-30 minutes until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick meal, but be sure to cover them to retain moisture. Lasagne freezes well; wrap it tightly and it can last up to 3 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Jennifer'S Lasagne contains roughly 792 calories, with 14g protein, 26g carbohydrates, and 72g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (48% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (32% of the Daily Value), and calcium (30% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1181mg per serving (51% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I prepare this lasagne in advance?
Yes, you can assemble the lasagne the day before and store it in the refrigerator. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. When ready to bake, remove the wrap and bake directly from the fridge, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time if needed.
What can I substitute for Ricotta cheese?
If you don't have Ricotta cheese, you can use cottage cheese blended until smooth as a substitute. Another option is to mix cream cheese with a bit of milk for a creamy texture. Make sure to season according to your taste, as these alternatives may have a different flavor profile.
How do I prevent the noodles from sticking together?
To prevent lasagne noodles from sticking, make sure to stir them occasionally while boiling. After draining, rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process and to help separate them. Tossing them lightly with a little oil can also help keep them from clumping together.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).